Landscape Design Plant Selection and Horticulture

Question 1

Which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone covers most of Florida?

Accepted Answer

Zone 9-10

Answer

Most of Florida falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 9–10, supporting subtropical and tropical plants.

Question 2

What term describes plants adapted to dry conditions requiring minimal irrigation once established?

Accepted Answer

Xerophytes

Answer

Xerophytes are drought-tolerant plants adapted to dry conditions and require minimal supplemental water once established.

Question 3

Which growth habit describes a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season?

Accepted Answer

Annual

Answer

Annuals germinate, flower, set seed, and die within a single growing season.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of selecting plants with staggered bloom times in a landscape?

Accepted Answer

Continuous seasonal color

Answer

Staggering bloom times ensures the landscape has color and visual interest throughout multiple seasons.

Question 5

Which factor is MOST critical when selecting trees for a parking lot island in the US?

Accepted Answer

Heat and drought tolerance

Answer

Parking lot islands create extreme heat and drought stress, so plants must tolerate those harsh microclimatic conditions.

Landscape Design Practice Test